背伸び

背延び、 背のび

Reading

Kana: せのび

Romaji: senobi

Definitions

noun

vs

1

standing on tiptoe and stretching one's back to make oneself taller; stretching oneself

2

overreaching oneself; overstretching oneself; trying to do something beyond one's ability; pushing to the limit

Kanji

背

Readings: ハイ、 せ、 せい、 そむ.く、 そむ.ける

Meanings: stature, height, back, behind, disobey, defy, go back on, rebel

伸

Readings: シン、 の.びる、 の.ばす、 の.べる、 の.す

Meanings: expand, stretch, extend, lengthen, increase

延

Readings: エン、 の.びる、 の.べる、 の.べ、 の.ばす

Meanings: prolong, stretching

Example Sentence

彼(かれ)は背伸(せの)びをして失敗(しっぱい)した。

➥He bit off more than he could chew.